Hats Off To These Five Professions That Still Work On Labor Day

Happy Labor Day Weekend! Hopefully you've been enjoying the extra day off, even if the weekend was pretty rainy.

Why exactly do we get the day off? Well, it started in the 19th century. Back then people often worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week, and typically in physically demanding, low-paying jobs. It was tough. So one day, instead of going to work, they staged a protest.

In the next few years, a ton of states officially declared the first Monday in September as Labor Day.

Here's the funny thing about Labor Day: even though it pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers, and is a federal holiday, not everyone gets the day off.

So let's give it up for these five jobs that don't get to celebrate today:

1

Emergency Personnel

Of course doctors, nurses, firefighters and police don't get the day off. If anything, the holiday is more hectic for them. It was pretty rainy this weekend, but in past years it's been hot and sunny.

Naturally people take advantage, and have cookouts and parties. With that comes grill mishaps and a LOT of traffic. These emergency personnel work overtime to make sure we all can have a safe and fun long weekend.

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2

Retail Workers

Sure enough, with Labor Day comes an insane amount of sales. Furniture, cars, you name it and it's probably on sale. But these things can't be sold without salespeople.

They deal with massive crowds because most everyone else takes the opportunity to do something fun on their day off. And those shifts aren't short. To everyone working in retail, I salute you.

Denis Raev

3

Tradespeople

These are the electricians and plumbers and construction workers of the world: people that specialize in a specific trade. They make sure we have basic necessities over the long weekend. They are virtually always on call and we appreciate them for it.

Lisa F. Young

4

Hospitality Workers

Not everyone is a grill master (I just learned how to do it by myself this year). Sometimes, it's just easier to go out and eat. Luckily, restaurants are still open on Labor Day. This is all thanks to the waitstaff, cooks and bartenders.

Also encompassed in hospitality are hotel employees. If you're traveling to see your family, or vice versa, you might be staying at a hotel. Thanks to their work on the holiday, you can!

Jupiterimages

5

Travel Industry

Think of all the workers you interact with while traveling. There's pilots, train conductors, cab drivers, and more. All these people will get you where you need to go.

If you're headed home from a weekend of fun with the family, they're the ones giving up time with their loved ones to make it happen. Thank you all!